Serious questions in a light vein

Ok, guys;
    Before I get started, I have a confession to make. I am a pumpkin
fanatic , but I am twisted. I tend to like lovely color & superb form
over size. I think this is rather a failure for a pumpkin fanatic, at
least as far as this group is concerned, because I tend to get the
feeling that this group's ideal fanatic should feel the opposite: size,
then form, then color. I hope this doesn't bring total disgrace upon the
list, but someone has to bring in the light of reason.
    In relation to this, I have some timely observations, accompanied by
related questions. I have been looking at pictures on the net, of
assorted giant pumpkins, & have the following observations to make:
1. in many cases, the 700+# pumpkins do not look that much larger than
the earlier 300-400# winners.
    (don't take this the wrong way. I mean they don't appear as much
larger as you would expect for a pumpkin weighing twice the weight)
2. The color & shape vary tremendously among these pumpkins.
3. the pumpkins appear to be judged by weight, rather than size.

The pumpkins are awe-inspiring, & I applaud you all. However, I have the
following questions:
1. why do you call them the biggest pumpkins, when you judge them by
weight? Based on my sight observations, You have to be developing denser
tissue & shell walls, & increasing the water holding capacity in the
pumpkins, because they do not appear to be increasing their size in
proportion to their weight. The fact that when many of these pumpkins
are finally cut open, there are frequently fewer seeds than expected,
(especially for a pumpkin that large) would indicate proof of that
tendency.

2. Are measurements usually taken, as well as weight? The measurements
could help us evaluate whether the above hypothesis is true.

3. How is color affected (if it is,) by size? Or is the individual
genetic make-up ( a  background cross to another giant gourd, etc.) the
explanation? or are there environmental effects upon color?

4. Regarding shape, in the giant pumpkins, is there a standard form? I
realize that you can help form, somewhat, by turning the pumpkin so it
does not become flat on one side. Is there anything else you can do to
encourage good form?

5. What are the best (deepest or brightest orange) colored pumpkins? (by
name, please) How hereditary is color in pumpkins?

6. Which pumpkins have the best form ( round, or slightly oval, )? How
hereditary is form in pumpkins?

    I still feel that the primary purpose of a pumpkin is to give
pleasure as a jack o lantern on halloween. Other uses, such as
competition, bombing, boating, racing, cuisine, crafts, housing, etc.
(worthy as they are, come second in my priorities.
    The most important, most memorable thing about a halloween pumpkin
is its color, shape & how it was carved. While I can't do much about the
latter; I would like to develop a strain or perhaps a couple of strains,
based on the best-colored & formed pumpkins of  the large lines you are
growing. I want to intensify these traits, for their own value, but
because they were based on the larger types you are working on, they
would carry the size factor, too. They would be a good available cross
to get those characteristics intensified in a large line, without having
to sacrifice much in size in the F1 cross.

    If any of you would be willing to contribute pictures & seed, or (I
know I am laying myself wide open for attack with this one) other
suggestions, it would be appreciated.

NOTE:  No, Marv (don't even suggest it), I am not going to develop your
deer & groundhog eating pumpkin for you. You can do it yourself. I gave
you my suggestions as to how to go about it.
Yours in Pumpkin Fanaticism,
TerryLynn
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